Congenital cervical kyphosis leading to kyphotic chest with deformed right rib cage. 74, multiple co-morbidities and allergies.

[Bellaowl]

I’m now 74 so I’v lived with this deformity many yrs. over the past few months I have been getting intermittent radiculopathy down both arms, tingling in all fingers and burning across shoulders. For the past 2 wks this now constant. I have arranged a private MRI 26th August.

I had a hosp MRI Dec 2018 so need a comparison.

I don’t have a spinal orthopod / surgeon but have a neurologist.

I have CFS since 1972 with demyelination of the quads.

I have degenerative disc disease affecting the entire spine, affecting bladder control.

I’m wondering what the usual course of treatment would be. I’m assuming surgery to release the pressure on the cord or C5-7 nerves.

Since already disabled I’m wondering how keen they would be to operate and what the consequences may be to the long term function of my hands.

Bellaowl 🦉

[Hidden]

Hi Bella

It sounds like you have a lot on your plate & that it is affecting the quality of your life. It sounds like

I hope you MRI scan went ok.

If surgery was necessary - it would involve decompressing the spine but the approach taken is very dependent on what the MRI scan reveals & what approach - from the font or the back would be the most appropriate. It wouldn't be your age or disability per se that would be the issue but whether or not you were fit enough in terms of anaesthetic risk & that depends on many different factors.

So ideally a neurosurgical opinion would be appropriate given the deterioration in symptoms.

It's interesting that you mention problems with your legs - myelopathy can affect your legs too & some of the symptoms myelopathy causes are very similar to other neurological diseases.

Best Wishes

Shirley (mod)

[Bellaowl in reply to Hidden]

Hi Shirley, thanks for the reply. The MRI showed that all my discs are drying out. There is compression of the nerves coming from the spinal cord but not the spinal cord. My osteopath says the discs could be injected. Not sure what with- the only safe option would be my own fat- I’d be allergic to anything else.

I’ve asked for a referral to Mr Choi at NHNN but so far no agreement at GP surgery.

The radiculopathy improved about 3 weeks ago but something my osteopath did yesterday had set it off again down the right arm.

The main issue has been peripheral neuropathy in the distal part of every finger + thumb.

It feels like knives inside, no oil or sweat in this area, sometimes swollen and red other times dark and cold.

I find aloe vera gel helps.

Is this something you recognise from the nerves trapped? If not then I think it must be diabetic related.

And you are correct anaesthesia is a huge risk for me.

🦉

[Hidden in reply to Bellaowl]

Hello again

It could be related to the the impinged nerve roots - the one that are causing radiculopathy - depending on which nerve root is compressed consequently affects the fingers - you need to check out a dermatome map to know which disc is pushing on which nerve root.

I've not heard about discs being injected but some folks do go on to have spinal nerve root injections which doesn't alter the level of compression but is supposed to reduce the pain. Some people have good results, others don't. Quite often they have to be repeated.

Another thing that may help provide more information is to have nerve conduction strudies & electromyography testing if you haven't already - you will need a referral from your GP or a neurologist - it may help differentiate between neuropathy in your hands & nerve root compression.

I take Duloxetine for radiculopathy symptoms - I find it helps me - but again what suits one person doesn't suit another.

And as far as osteopathy, chiropractic & cervical spinal manipulation goes, it is contraindicated in people with myelopathy because of the potential risk of spinal shock, stroke & carotid artery dissection - all of which can prove fatal.

Apologies for potentially alarming you you but it's important to know.

Best Wishes

Shirley

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